This beautiful instrument, also known as the "Virgin" or "Maiden", was given
its name by Vuillaume. The instrument came to him in original condition
with its original short neck and, upon being opened, was discovered to have
its original short bass-bar and all its other original internal fittings.
Vuillaume was so struck by its exceptional and undisturbed condition that he
declared it to be "as pure as a virgin" or, in French, "comme une pucelle".
The name stuck and the instrument has been known as "La Pucelle" ever since.
Through extreme good fortune this instrument -- which has no soundpost
patch, no cracks, and almost all its original varnish -- is in essentially
the same condition as it was when the Hills described it in their famous
1902 book. Charles Beare has expressed the opinion that this particular
instrument is the first of the true "Golden Period" violins and, in fact,
that its existence is the reason that one must date the start of the "Golden
Period" to 1709. Virtually everyone that has seen the instrument recently
has been struck by its extreme grace and beauty and we are assured by the
present owner that its tone is entirely consistent with its appearance.
Most experts rank the instrument among the finest half-dozen Strads in
existence.
La Pucelle has only recently come to light again after being unseen for more
than fifty years. We're happy to be able to show you La Pucelle here on
Sheila's Corner
This picture is included by Courtesy of the David L. Fulton Collection
with permission to use it on Sheila's Corner.
It may not be downloaded for personal use or on any other web page.
Please respect this request so we may all enjoy viewing these special violins.
This picture is included by Courtesy of the David L. Fulton Collection
with permission to use it on Sheila's Corner.
It may not be downloaded for personal use or on any other web page.
Please respect this request so we may all enjoy viewing these special violins.
